Considering a Career in Fashion? Best Schools & Courses in London
Fashion Courses & Degrees in London
University can be the most exciting time for a young individual, striving to gain skills and knowledge in the field of their interest.
We know it can become tricky to select the best educational program for your career in fashion, therefore we have created an overview of London's local offerings.
Courses and degrees listed below may require previous academic education, but there is a variety of (online) courses, everyone can undertake.
Fashion Industry Definition - Work in a Business
Drawn from the report 'THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE UK FASHION INDUSTRY IN 2021' published by the British Fashion Council in 2022 references Oxford Economics breaking down the industry as follows:
- Education
- Textiles
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale
- Retail
- Creative
- Media
- Advertising/PR
These components make up a layer above Industry sectors:
- Distribution
- Production
- Other effects
As another layer covering the core: The British Apparel Industry segments
- Footwear
- Men's
- Women's
- Beauty
- Jewellery & Watches
- Accessories
- Luggage & Bags
- Hair Products
- Lingerie
Runway Unlocked: Exciting Career Opportunities in Fashion
Have you ever dreamed of making your mark in the glittering world of fashion?
Well, get ready to strut your stuff because the UK fashion industry is not just a trendsetter – it's an economic powerhouse!
How much the fashion industry contribute to the UK economy?
Fashion's Fierce Contribution to the UK Economy
Hold onto your designer hats, because the numbers are about to blow you away!
In 2021, the UK fashion industry strutted its stuff with a direct contribution of £28.9 billion to the country's GDP (British Fashion Council and Oxford Economics, 2022).
That's right, fashion isn't just about looking good – it's about making the economy look good too!
To put this in perspective, fashion's contribution is on par with other major players like the wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles.
Who knew that couture could compete with cars?
The Total Package: Fashion's Overall Economic Impact
But wait, there's more!
When you factor in the entire supply chain and consumer spending, the fashion industry's total impact on the UK economy in 2021 was a jaw-dropping £68 billion (British Fashion Council and Oxford Economics, 2022).
That's 3.2% of the UK's GDP – or £1 in every £31 generated. Talk about making it rain!
Employment Elegance: Fashion's Job Creation
Now, let's talk about the real showstopper – jobs!
In 2021, the fashion industry directly employed over 800,000 people in the UK (British Fashion Council and Oxford Economics, 2022).
That's 2.5% of the country's total employment.
To put it another way, that's 30% more jobs than in real estate activities and 76% more than in food and beverage production.
Who says you can't have your cake and wear it too?
Why This Matters for Your Career
So, what does all this fabulous data mean for you?
It means that the fashion industry isn't just a passing trend – it's a robust, growing sector with plenty of opportunities for ambitious professionals like yourself.
Whether you're interested in design, marketing, retail, supply chain management, or any other aspect of the industry, there's likely a role that fits you perfectly.
And with such a significant contribution to the UK economy, you can be sure that a career in fashion is not only exciting but also impactful.
Discover Courses! Your Fashion Future Awaits
The UK fashion industry isn't just about glamour and style – it's a serious economic contender that's creating jobs and driving growth.
So, if you've been considering a career in fashion, now might be the perfect time to take that leap.
Remember, in the world of fashion, opportunity is always in vogue.
So why not make your next career move as bold as your favourite outfit?
The runway to success in the UK fashion industry is wide open – are you ready to strut your stuff?
Furthermore, only around half of all fashion businesses have arranged a Diversity and Inclusion strategy.
As of current recordings, the apparel sector's
"[...] leadership remains dominated by men and white leaders. At Board, executive committee and direct report level, the proportion of women sits at below 40% [...]" (British Fashion Council, 2022)
calling for more women to climb the career ladder!
#1 UAL, London College of Fashion
University of the Arts, London – London College of Fashion
This university has recognition from around the world and is a key association in the fashion industry.
Their halls are open to local and international students and span across multiple (6x) campuses in London.
You may heard or passed by the following buildings:
- Central Saint Martins,
- London College of Communication,
- London College of Fashion,
- Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts
Selecting the right university, accompanying your first steps into a fashion career, you should research the employability of recent graduates.
Since gaining their degree, UAL alumni have spoken at UAL Global x London Design Festival 2022 opening possibilities for rich opportunities.
The University of the Arts in London counts as one of the established Universities in the United Kingdom offering Fashion education.
Even though 'newly' founded in 2003 compared to other higher education institutions with decades of history.
UAL has also been ranked second in the world for Art and Design in the 2022 QS World University Ranking.
Famous designers walked through these doors.
Among the names, you may know Alexander McQueen, Gilbert & George, Richard Hamilton, Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo, and Antony Gormley are just a few of UAL's prominent alumni.
UAL: Featured Fashion Courses & Degrees
|
University/ Institution / UCAS Code |
Degree name |
Duration |
Entry requirements |
Type of degree |
|
UAL |
3 years |
112 UCAS points, 1-2+ A-Levels, Distinction at Foundation, Access Diploma (…) |
undergraduate |
|
|
UAL |
3 years / 4 years with industry placement |
A level passes, 3 x subjects 112 UCAS points, IB Diploma 25 points, EU- non-EU qualifications (…) |
undergraduate |
|
|
UAL |
3 years / 4 years with industry placement |
A level passes, 3 x subjects 112 UCAS points, IB Diploma 25 points, Distinction, EU- &non-EU qualifications (…) |
undergraduate |
|
|
UAL Code: WN31 |
4 years / 5 years with industry placement |
120 UCAS points, IB Diploma 25 points (…) |
undergraduate |
|
|
UAL Code: W291 |
3 years |
112 UCAS points, (…) |
undergraduate |
|
|
UAL Code: 2F32 |
3 years / 4 years with industry placement |
112 UCAS points, (…) |
undergraduate |
|
|
UAL Code: W230 |
3 years |
112 UCAS points, (…) |
Undergraduate |
|
|
UAL Code: 5P60 |
3 years / 4 years with industry placement |
112 UCAS points, (…) |
Undergraduate |
|
|
UAL Code: 0I88 |
3 years |
112 UCAS points, (…) |
Undergraduate |
|
|
UAL Code: P206 |
3 years |
112 UCAS points, (…) |
Undergraduate |
|
|
UAL Code: C800 |
3 years |
120 UCAS points, 3 x A-Level Passes at Grade B, (…) |
Undergraduate |
|
|
UAL Code: P590 |
3 years |
112 UCAS points, (…) |
Undergraduate |
|
|
UAL Code: 9K60 |
3 years |
112 UCAS points, (…) |
Undergraduate |
|
|
UAL |
3 years |
A Level passes at Grade C or 112 UCAS points, (…) |
Undergraduate |
|
|
UAL |
12 months |
- |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
15 months |
Honors degree, 2.1 or above, equivalent qualifications, IELTS 7.0 |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
15 months |
Honors degree, 2.1 or above, |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
12 months |
Honors degree, 2.1 or above, |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
12 months |
Honors degree, 2.1 or above, |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
1 year |
First degree 2:2 or FDA with merit/ distinction |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
12 months |
Honors degree at 2.1 or above |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
15 months |
Honors degree at 2.1 or above |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
15 weeks |
Good first degree 2.1 or above in Fashion or business |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
15 months |
Honors degree at 2.1 or above |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
12 months |
Honors degree at 2.1 or above |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
12 months |
Honors degree at 2.1 or above |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
15 months |
Honors degree at 2.1 or above |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
12 months / 45 academic weeks |
2.1 degree at Undergraduate level, or equivalent, AND 3 years of work experience |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
1 year |
Honors degree at 2.1 or above, related qualifications |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
12 months |
Honors degree at 2.1 or above, related qualifications |
Postgraduate |
|
|
UAL |
15 months |
Honors degree at 2.1 or above fashion based course |
Postgraduate |
#2 Fashion Retail Academy
Address: 15 Gresse St, London, W1T 1QL
The Fashion Retail Academy has colleges based in London, the UK's capital and global fashion hub spot.
The institution is government funded & received contributions by a chairman from the Arcadia Group.
Course options aim to help students gain the skills required to manage a global fashion brand.
The degree breaks down a range of topics that display fashion on an international level.
During the course, students will learn or improve their understanding of strategic decision-making in this business context.
Furthermore, it will look at the internal and external factors influencing the choices of a fashion brand.
´The UK's only industry-led fashion college´, partnering with 140 brands
|
University/ Institution
|
Degree Name
|
Duration
|
Entry Requirements
|
Type of Degree
|
|
Fashion Retail Academy
|
|
2 years
|
Min. 104 UCAS points
|
Undergraduate
|
|
Fashion Retail Academy
|
26 weeks
|
none
|
Online
|
|
|
Fashion Retail Academy
|
36 weeks
|
none
|
Online
|
|
|
Fashion Retail Academy
|
36 weeks
|
none
|
online
|
|
|
Fashion Retail Academy
|
2 years
|
Min. 104 UCAS points
|
Undergraduate, on-site
|
|
|
Fashion Retail Academy
|
2 years
|
Min. 104 UCAS points
|
Undergraduate, on-site
|
|
|
Fashion Retail Academy
|
1 year
|
1 A-Level & 5 GCSES
|
Level 4, on-site
|
|
|
Fashion Retail Academy
|
1 year
|
1 A-Level & 5 GCSES
|
Level 4, on-site
|
|
|
Fashion Retail Academy
|
1 year
|
1 A-Level & 5 GCSES
|
Level 4, on-site
|
|
|
Fashion Retail Academy
|
6 months
|
1 A-Level & 5 GCSES
|
Level 4, on-site
|
